東西部扶貧協作
東西部扶貧協作，即東部發達省市與西部貧困地區結對開展扶貧協作，是國家為實現共同富裕目標作出的一項制度性安排。自1996年開始，經過幾次調整和變動，東西部扶貧協作已形成目前9省（市）、5個計劃單列市和4個大城市對口幫扶西部10個省（區、市）的工作格局。東西部扶貧協作形式多樣，形成了以政府援助、企業合作、社會幫扶、人才支持為主的基本工作框架。
實施東西部扶貧協作工作以來，東部發達省份與西部貧困地區在結對治理貧困的具體實踐中不斷探索扶貧方式與模式，具體有：基于企業合作層面的扶貧模式、創建高層溝通機制的扶貧模式、選擇貧困重點的扶貧模式。
其一，基于企業合作層面的東西部扶貧協作模式。指通過推動東西部地區的企業合作，帶動貧困地區企業的發展，增強貧困地區的市場活力，提高貧困地區勞動力素質，解決落后地區的貧困問題。比如，山東省的14個地級市結對幫扶重慶市的14個國家扶貧開發工作重點縣，在企業合作的基礎上，爭取政府援助。同時，積極開展社會幫扶，推動社會力量參與扶貧。
East-West Cooperation in Poverty Alleviation
This refers to the practice of pairing the developed provinces and municipalities in the east with the impoverished regions in the west. It is a policy to reduce poverty and achieve common prosperity.
After several adjustments since 1996, nine provinces (municipalities), five cities that enjoy provincial-level status in the state economic plan, and four major cities in east China have been paired with 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipality in west China. Cooperation in diverse forms has continued, and a working framework has been built with government backing, cooperation from enterprises, social assistance, and human resources support.
Under this framework the east and the west have explored effective ways of cooperation, creating three successful models:
(1) east-west cooperation between enterprises. This drives the growth of enterprises in poor areas, increases market vigor, and improves the ability of the local workforce to fight poverty in backward areas. For instance, 14 prefecture-level cities of Shandong Province in east China have partnered with 14 key poor counties of Chongqing Municipality in west China. In addition to cooperation between enterprises, these cities in Shandong also seek government assistance and invite public participation in the poverty alleviation initiative;
(2) a high-level communication mechanism for east-west cooperation. For instance, since 1996 Fujian Province in southeast China and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China have held annual joint meetings to discuss the focus and principles for bilateral cooperation, and exchange information and management expertise. This interaction enhances timely communication; and
(3) east-west cooperation focusing on key areas of extreme poverty. For instance, in 2010, Beijing adjusted its assistance to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, from previously assisting eight of the latter's leagues and cities to assisting eight banners (counties and cities) in each of the Ulanqab League and Chifeng City, as these two places suffer extensive and serious poverty and an underdeveloped economy.
East-west cooperation has substantially promoted China's large-scale development of the western region, and greatly contributed to poverty reduction there. Successful experiments include:
(1) Long-term mechanisms that facilitate communication and exchanges between east and west partners;
(2) Enterprises are swift and effective in cooperation to stimulate market vigor in poor areas and develop the local economy; and
(3) Exchanges of human resources support the sustainable development of poor areas.
